Hey all... I wanted to post these yesterday but my internet went out...

Room:
For your information before I start, I'm 6 feet tall with 34" legs. The RX-8's leg room is almost TIED with the G35 Coupe, and the 330Ci. I used the same method of measurement that I did in all cars; I sat in the front seat (passenger seat in the RX-8), and adjusted it to a comfortable position. I then went into the back seat, and found ample leg room in EVERY car. The 330Ci is probably the best not because of the leg room, but because of the big window you can look out of; it's not nearly as claustrophobic. The RX-8 is like looking out of a ship's window in that regard. The G35 Coupe is by far the worst, even though the leg room is fine for me, my head was hitting the ceiling and I had to hunch over to sit in the car. My cousin, who is several inches shorter than I am, also had a problem and his head was hitting the glass window in the back. If you stop hard in this car, your head will fly forwards, and then back into the glass giving a good chance to have a concussion or worse!

In review, #1 here is the 330Ci, just because of a more open view thru the window. The LEGROOM is almost identical in all three. Headroom is identical in the 330Ci and RX-8, and the G35 Coupe is terribly far behind.

Ingress/Egress:
I know this had been a touchy spot for a lot of people. I was not sure what to expect myself. After adjusting the front passenger seat in the RX-8, I climbed into the back -- with ease. If you put your left foot flat on the floor, then hop into the car, it's easy to get in without a problem. Getting out however... that's another story. While it took me a few tries to get out of the RX-8 quickly, there is a method that can be used that I personally don't like. You have to grab onto the seat in front of you, and pull yourself out. An "oh shit" handle would have made this job a lot easier, pulling yourself out of the car. Even though egress is more difficult, it still is easier than getting out of both Coupes, the 330Ci, and G35 due to the fact there's an extra door there. There's a slight inconvienience, and if you are a regular passenger, you'll quickly discover how to get in and out without a hiccup.

Build Quality:
I'll just say it now. The BMW 330Ci has the best build quality. Comparing the RX-8 and G35 Coupe is like comparing apples to apples; it's very close. Visually I think the G35 Coupe was better off AT THE SHOW, because its interior lights were on, the gauges were lit up, etc. The RX-8 was completely blacked out. The RX-8's build quality was not much better than my Millenia, and also not much worse. So if that gives you a feel for it, it's about the best I can do. The G35 Coupe is the same, pretty good feel and aesthetics, not BMW quality but nonetheless pretty darn good. I admit I'm more taken with the RX-8s interior because I've never been a fan of Titanium interiors in ANYTHING.

So in conclusion... the RX-8 is pretty much exactly how I wanted it to be. The 330Ci is going to beat the RX-8 in every category except ingress/egress as per LOOKING at the car. Driving the car of course will be something I'll have to report later on :) Build quality, room, aesthetics -- the RX-8 and G35 Coupe are within arms length of each others constantly. The only real pet peeve I have with the G35 Coupe is the rear headroom which is ATROCIOUS even for shorter people.

The RX-8 will fit a 6 foot person up front, and a 6 footer behind, a guy that's got 34" legs as well, and that's ME! And so you all know what I look like now, here's a picture :)

And the front picture...

Oh and let me add... I didn't bother taking too many pictures of the RX-8 because so many people were crowded around it, and I figured we have a million pictures of what I'm going to talk about... so I didn't see the need :)

I think that it is unrealistic and unfair to compare any concept or prototype car's interior with any production car interior, the fit and finish is always better on the production vehicle. It will not be very long now for a fair comparison. :D

Interesting. I always had you down as a middle aged guy with white hair and a beard. That's expectations for you: often confounded! ;)

my question is: how comfortable exactly are those seats? do they hug you into them like they should? did you see the navigations sytem? did you play around with the stereo and the LCD panel?

The car wasn't turned on, so I couldn't play with it much.. there was no navigation so again, that point is moot.

Rear seats are very comfy, front ones even moreso. I think that they are probably the best bolstered seats of all the competing cars, with the side edges of the seat really holding your ass in place, and the leather on the actual seat of the seat, is very grippy and keeps you in place.

I was very comfortable, and I didn't hit my head anywhere like I thought I might.

At least you got to sit in it at the Cleveland show they didn't let you get up to it. Was on a turn table platform and thats as close as you got. But yes vs the Infin-Nissans its not even close in fit and finish and hope Mazda don't let us down. Now all that needs to happen is some real driving on the final version and real to goodness feed back.:cool:

Is the seat belt on the rear door that for the front seat?
Is the red in your picture you posted here quite close to the actual color? I've heard some say they like the red, but many seem to be disappointed by it. I'd strongly considered the titanium myself.

How many 6' or better folks have had a chance to sit in one w/ the moonroof installed? I assume this read one had the moonroof since it appears to be a GT package? Or was it missing it as one of the mixed bag preproduction models?

Thanks for the report. I'm pretty sure now I want to make the trip next weekend!

How much extra headroom did you have in the moonroof-equipped RX-8?

I'm 6'3", also with 34" legs, and am concerned i won't fit in the car...

Originally posted by laferle
How much extra headroom did you have in the moonroof-equipped RX-8?

I'm 6'3", also with 34" legs, and am concerned i won't fit in the car... As I recall there wasn't a sunroof in that car... so I can't really answer that. I think if you're 6'3" then you'll have no problem DRIVING :)... and since your legs are as long as mine, then ideally you'd still be able to put a 6 footer behind you.. I like to be pretty relaxed when I'm driving personally.

From my understanding, if the car has a moonroof won't make a difference because it doesn't retract into the car, it goes on top so therefore you don't have to worry about headroom loss. I had a good few inches in the back and front.

That seat belt is for the rear door.

EDIT: oops the car DID have a sunroof :D And I had a few inches to spare sitting in the car.

went to the show today, fell in love with it all over again...AND GOOD NEWS, THE REP SAYS GT PACKAGE DOES HAV 6disc AND climate control!
________
BLACK VID (http://www.fucktube.com/categories/11/black/videos/1)

Originally posted by laferle
How much extra headroom did you have in the moonroof-equipped RX-8?

I'm 6'3", also with 34" legs, and am concerned i won't fit in the car...

I'm 6'1 1/2" and 240 lbs and got to sit in both a sunroof and non sunroof car at the Rev it up event in Orange County Ca.
In the non sunroof car I could sit in the drivers seat with the seatback fully upright (Not my prefered setting) and had a spare inch to the cieling. I did not even have to set the seat all the way
back to get comfortable and my 5'7" wife could easily fit is the rear
with plenty of room. If I moved the drivers seat all the way back
her knees were close to the seatback. In the sunroof car with it's
lower cieling my head would brush the cieling with the seat fully upright. I got comfortable by moving the seat back further and
reclining the seatback some (I prefer this position any way) then
I had about an inch of headroom and a comfortable driving position. I loved the position and feel of the shifter (There was no need to reach, it fell naturally to hand)

Here are pics of me in an RX-8 with sunroof. There was plenty of room for me, 6'-3", 34" legs.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3577

this morning when I'm more clear-headed apparently I went back and looked at Herc's pic in the front seat - and I thought - I think I see a sunroof - looked at the pic of him in the back seat, and yes, there is a sunroof. And it looks like you have a few inches above your head. I'm 'only' 5'11" so I'm not real concerned about the headroom - it was always kinda tight in my 1st gens that just had the popout sunroof. I appreciate all the feedback on these questions. As for the rep's statement about the 6CD and climate control, "I" think he's *wrong*. Wouldn't be the first or last time.

I am 6'4" and I fit into the car perfectly. I couldnt even adjust the seat the way I wanted it (I sat in the drivers seat of course :D ) and I was able to get comfortable, even with the sunroof intruding.

By the by titanium people, the car was at NY and it is absolutely gorgeous! Didnt take any pics because it was extremely crowded.

Also on a side note- a lot of people were interested in the car, didn't seem to be a negative reaction to it at all.

On another side note- The Subaru chicks were oooh so hot! :cool:

Originally posted by Hercules
As I recall there wasn't a sunroof in that car... so I can't really answer that. I think if you're 6'3" then you'll have no problem DRIVING :)
It's all going to depend on your build - you're going to have to sit in the car to find out.

I'm long legged and long torso'ed so I have 36" legs and am 6'1. I couldn't find a position in the front seats where my hair wasn't in the headliner, but as it was a auto show car I'm waiting to see if the dimensions differ any in the production cars, as they often do...

For the record, I fit in a Gen II RX-7 but there was no way I could even get into a Gen III unless I wanted to drive with my knees...

Just wanted to add to Hercule's comments on the rear seat room:

The BMW 3 series coupe is a pure sedan conversion. It offers plenty of headroom in the rear seats and access to the back is pretty good. The downside is the coupe looks very similar to the 4 door sedan. (to be expected from a sedan conversion) The 2004 body style has some minor changes that separates the looks of the sedan and coupe some more though.

The Mazda RX8 is a true cross over of a sedan/coupe. It can hold 4 adults comfortably, rear seat headroom is very impressive. The lack of B pillar and suicide doors allows for easier entry/exit. The only thing is the legroom in the rear is not quite as generous as the headroom. From my experience at the El Toro Rev It Up, the leg room can be a problem for long trips. Then again, if you are going on road trips with 4 people, it'd be smarter to take another car rather than the RX8. The downside is the lack of B-pillar 'may' compromise structural integrity and safety compared to a fixed B-pillar. Also, the rear 'hatch' area can look very odd from the side and rear quarter view. Looks out of place in an otherwise beautiful car. (Compromise some aesthetic for practicality) If you really want a very sporty handling car and have the need to carry full size adults in the backseats all the time, then the RX8 is a very good choice. (I would also recommend the IS300, which can be had with lots of discount now)

The G35 Coupe is pretty much your standard coupe. Nissan designers made no compromise to the styling of the car and engineered it to be a true GT coupe. The result is an obvious lack of rear seat headroom and more difficult entry/exit from the vehicle. I won't deny it'd be a pain in the ass if I have to sit in the rear seats of my coupe. I am almost 6' and my head is definitely on the glass. Luckily, for passengers under 5'8, the rear seats of the G35C is excellent. Plenty of legroom thanks to the 112" wheelbase and plenty of elbow and hip room since the rear only seats two. (WHY!?) If I have to carry around 6'+ passengers in the rear seats very often, I would not have bought a G35C. Then again, I wouldn't be looking at a RX8 either. If you frequently carry tall passengers in the rear seats, then 4 door sedan would make a lot more sense. Not to mention, with passengers in the rear, you are adding 300lbs to the weight of the car, thus spirited driving have to take a backseat, and torque becomes more important.

Fit and finish: BMW > G35C > RX8. Then again, if you look at the price tag, there is a 8k gap between the 330 and G35, another 3-4k gap between the G35C and RX8. The interior quality of the 8 is quite nice, but I wouldn't call it luxury. It's around the same level as the new Accord, which is quite a compliment IMO. I don't agree with Hercules's analogy of the RX8-Millenia interior though, because frankly, the Millenia interior is nothing to brag about, even when compared to the last gen Accord and Camry. (Looks nice, not durable at all)

Overall Value: If all you are looking for is sportiness and performance, then the RX8 would be the best choice. The lighter weight plays big roles in the fun to drive category, and the rotary only makes it more fun to drive. If you are looking for practicality and space, the BMW gets my vote, as the seating position and space feels better in the BMW than the other two. If you want to have an excellent ownership experience, reliability and built quality though, I wouldn't recommend the RX8. Look wise, all three cars are beautiful in their own ways, the BMW is the classic Bulvarian, the G35C is the beautiful coupe, and the RX8 is the flashy new cross over with an attitude. For $30k+ though, BMW330ci is out of the question, and I picked the Infiniti because my past experience with Mazda quality/service was dissapointing. $30k is a lot of money to spend on a Mazda, even one as magnificent as the RX8. Let's hope their dealership attitude has improved with the introduction of these new products.

I'd disagree with the fit and finish only on the basis that the RX-8 has a more sporty flair and that takes away from the luxury 'outlook' the G35C recieves.

The actual touch of the plastics in the G35C and RX-8 are almost identical. If you press a button in, touch them, feel the materials of the seats and steering wheel... it's like I said, apples and apples. The fact that the RX-8 uses harsher colours, and the G35C uses a more relaxed feel in its cabin, I think gives the G35 a more luxurious appeal, but not a higher level of fit and finish.

I have to disagree a a bit about the fit and finish- I've sat in all three cars, and while the 3 series just IS luxurious, the G35 tries too hard- the huge expanse of silver plastic turned me off an otherwise beautiful car. The RX-8 didn't pretend to be anything other than it was, which I found a pleasant change.

Hey Herc
Did you ask about the CD Changer and climate control?

Originally posted by RotorGeek
Hey Herc
Did you ask about the CD Changer and climate control? Climate control as I understood before the show, is standard... the 6CD indash they have no idea, but as far as I still know it's an OPTION.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
...I picked the Infiniti because my past experience with Mazda quality/service was dissapointing. $30k is a lot of money to spend on a Mazda, even one as magnificent as the RX8. Let's hope their dealership attitude has improved with the introduction of these new products.

Suuuuch a typical statement. I am really getting tired of such statements over and over again ... sounds like a crusade against Mazda :-)

Originally posted by Maximus


Suuuuch a typical statement. I am really getting tired of such statements over and over again ... sounds like a crusade against Mazda :-) I am refraining to respond to these comments because I'll be fighting an un-winnable war.

Zealots are zealots, regardless of company they are wooed by.

well i gotta tell you, so far my impression of mazda dealerships insant great and judging from other comments on this forum, especially others who have had pre-order problems, i'm not the only one.

Climate control as I understood before the show, is standard... the 6CD indash they have no idea, but as far as I still know it's an OPTION.

Hmm, that's odd, I was at that show too and I asked about the climate control. The salesman said that the automatic climate control would only be available on the GT package.

So it is standard, but only on the GT package for those of you who were a little confused.

originally posted by Skyline Maniac

you want to have an excellent ownership experience, reliability and built quality though, I wouldn't recommend the RX8.

That's bullshit. There is no reason to believe that the RX-8 will be anything BUT reliable. All N/A rotaries are known for their longevity, and there are thousands of examples of 1st and 2nd Generation RX-7s on the road today that validate Mazda's quality. Not to mention the Miata, which is the most bulletproof sports car out there. The only thing that could be of issue is dealer experience, and Nissan typically rated poorly, right along with Mazda. Your individual experience will vary, of course. The Mazda dealership in Saskatoon has a lot of knobs working for it, but their rotary mechanic is a good, knowledgeable guy whom I have trusted to work on my car on more than one occasion.

I'm sick and tired of people slagging on rotaries without any evidence to back themselves up. The only times when rotaries performed poorly in the reliability department was when they were turbocharged in the 3rd Generation, and when they were first introduced, when they had sealing problems. There is no other motor on the planet that can go a whole racing season without a teardown and still function at peak levels, and we all know which Japanese motor company won LeMans, and which engine they used. I'll give you a hint: It wasn't Nissan.

Bullshit?

You want evidence? Go to a Mazda dealership and observe their level of service compared to other brands. Is Nissan any better? Not by much, if any~ that's with similar pricing, I wouldn't recommend a Nissan either. Here is a couple of 2002 studies by JD Powers in case you want some 'evidence' but couldn't find any. These are not definitive of all dealership and all vehicles, but it certainly reflects how a car company/dealerships are ran. btw: I owned Mazdas for over a decade before giving up on the company. My experience with them certainly reflects what is shown here. (Also owned an Infiniti Q, which had been in the shop for repair once in the last 8 years.)

http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2002049a.gif http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2002141a.gif

I am not here to bash the car, but these are real issues for people to consider when purchasing a new car. (Which I am sure 'most' forum members are well aware of) I know some of you don't want to hear it, but I don't see the need for flaming over valid issues. If you owned Mazda vehicles in the past, then you can judge their level of service/built quality for yourself. I am sure there are good Mazda dealerships out there if you are lucky. Reliability of the Renesis is up in the air because the car is not out yet. If you believe the Renesis will be as reliable as the LeMans racer, then more power to you. ;)


*Look on the brighter side, Mazda is more dependable than Mercedes Benz.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac

I am not here to bash the car, but these are real issues for people to consider when purchasing a new car. (Which I am sure 'most' forum members are well aware of) I know some of you don't want to hear it, but I don't see the need for flaming over valid issues. If you owned Mazda vehicles in the past, then you can judge their level of service/built quality for yourself. I am sure there are good Mazda dealerships out there if you are lucky. Reliability of the Renesis is up in the air because the car is not out yet. If you believe the Renesis will be as reliable as the LeMans racer, then more power to you.


there goes the crusade again! :-)

Notice on the Dependability Index that Mazda was the last one listed, but by far not the last one.

The industry average is higher (worse) than Mazdas, so there are plently of less dependable manufacturers out there. This list is actually the BEST manufacturers above the average!

...the funny thing is though, SM, that the RX-8 isn't even out yet, and thus couldn't be counted in those statistics, making them completely meaningless.
as a company, yes, it's obvious that Mazda has fallen short overall with their cars' production, but there ARE outliers for any company: look at the Miata. would that in any way fall into those statistics you've posted?? hell no. why MUST the RX-8 be any different?? the reality is we don't know yet, so there isn't any reason that anyone should be so convinced this car will be a bad buy.

...also, the reliability of the RENESIS isn't up in the air... for god's sakes man, they're: first, not going to make another 13BREW, and second, it's so similar to the series 6 13B, AND has been in development as a concept (since they built the 280ps MSP-RE) for EIGHT years, i wouldn't say that reliability is that big a question mark. we dont' know one way or the other, but who the hell would think that when Toyota comes out with a new engine that it could be a real grenade?? no one. one bad apple doesn't spoil the lot if they're all in separate barrells, and "picked" at different times, not to mention engineered with different goals, by different people, learning from mistakes learned in the past.

get over yourself SM, you're TRYING to not like the car, LOOKING TOO HARD for reasons why it won't work.

Before someone jumps in here and shout "Who cares, customer satisfaction index is BS and we don't need it." I'd just like to point out, it's not impossible to achieve this goal, as long as the company is committed. Initial quality or not, customers should be able to expect quality dealership service after purchasing a big ticket item. I certainly don't want to be treated like a Protege owner if I were to shell out $30k for a RX8. It can be done, and it sure as hell seems that way in luxury land:

http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2002112b.gif

If this were the case in the USA, I am sure Mazda sales would sky rocket. Unfortunately, the US dealerships follow a very different path when it comes to service. So the problem is with Mazda USA and Mazda dealerships around the countries. They wave off their customers saying "What did you expect? This is no Mercedes dealship," and the sad truth is some customers actually agree with them. Now that's bullshit~

btw: I do like the car, that's why I think Mazda should work harder to make it more appealing to the market. Little changes like improving the image and service attitude can go a long way in gaining customer loyalty.

Originally posted by rxeightr
Notice on the Dependability Index that Mazda was the last one listed, but by far not the last one.

The industry average is higher (worse) than Mazdas, so there are plently of less dependable manufacturers out there. This list is actually the BEST manufacturers above the average!

*cough* ...just to add, read the subtitle there on SM's second graph: Audi, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, LandRover, Merc-Benz, Mitsu, Olds, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Volkswagon, and Volvo... all of these (not in that order necessarily) are worse than Mazda for quality... does that now mean these cars have their wheels fall off if you close the door too hard?? no, and the RX-8 probably *knock knock* won't either... sheesh.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
I do like the car, that's why I think Mazda should work harder to make it more appealing to the market. Little changes like improving the image and service attitude can go a long way in gaining customer loyalty.

then what you should say is that "The car is good, but i don't know if i want to put up with Mazda dealerships to own one", rather than saying what you did... just because you dont' like the company doesn't mean they can't make good cars.

$30k is a lot of money to spend on a Mazda, even one as magnificent as the RX8.

I thought I said RX8 is an excellent car, but Mazda dealerships are actually pushing away potential customers. This is something they can and should change with their new product line up. Dependability we can deal with, but dealership service should be rebuilt from the buttom up. Most skilled Mazda technicians have gone independent, especially the rotary mechanics. (Keep in mind the miniscule $$ Mazda pays them, and the fact the last time a rotary engine was in Mazda lineup was nearly a decade ago) Most hardcore RX-7 owners I know either work on the car in their own garage or take them to independent shops for service. At an autoX last year, a group of RX7 owners told me they would never take their cars to a Mazda dealership because of their lack of skill and knowledge when it comes to rotaries and mechanics in general. A study in the wage Mazda dealership pays their mechanics and incentives Mazda dealerships get from HQ might reveal an interesting story.

Guess I should have rephrased it better to avoid offending other members.

enough whining already.......does ANY of that have ANYTHING to do with the show impressions?
________
Bmw 335 (1939 - 1941) (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/BMW_335_(1939_-_1941))

Originally posted by wakeech
get over yourself SM, you're TRYING to not like the car, LOOKING TOO HARD for reasons why it won't work.

so true...

Originally posted by P00Man
enough whining already.......does ANY of that have ANYTHING to do with the show impressions?

first page does. in this forum, that can be enough :p

I too went to the NY Auto Show.

I saw the RX-8 up close and personal for the first time and here are my impressions. There was not a minute when there wasn't a crowd around the car, and I was there on a weekday. People were flocking around the car.

Most of the uninitiated to the wankel engine were set straight by the engine display and my input, I hope I did the engine justice.

And those who did not know about the car, well thanks to this Forum, I was able to amply fill them in. I think I sold two very attractive elderly ladies on the idea of the 6 speed manual, though I do believe they would opt for the autostick if in fact they do buy. But they loved the car.

What I did like:

Firstly, the dash board was better in person than I expected. The knobs and switches have a solid yet nice to the touch that seems from BMW or Mercedes quality.

Secondly, the seat was very comfortable. Good lateral support, butt support and thigh support. Holds you like a glove and the leather was soft enough to the feel.

Thirdly, the curve of the front fender over the wheel, like a pontoon (almost) is both beautiful and unique.

Fourthly, the engine sits waaaaay back in the chassis. Really front mid engine.


Fifthly, the stance from behind looks really wide, sort of like a performance car stance. But then it really is a performance car, isn't it.

What I did not like:

I did not like the silver painted center console and backs of the seats. It was peeling off at the show. HOWEVER, I did speak with a Mazda Rep who told me that was because it was a pre-production car with hastily put together parts for the shows. Also, the car was going through thousands of people in and out and in and out and in and so on . . . . This is my only peeve, and I hope that it is fixed by the time we get the production models.

Furthermore, if the rear door is closed after the front door is pulled in, there can be damage to the rear door, as there was on the display car. This should be addressed, or else it will be a real problem for those who might forget (read me, for instance). I guess I just have to be extra careful.

Overall, though, I utterly loved the car. Best combination of practicality and performance.

Overall, though, I utterly loved the car. Best combination of practicality and performance

This is exactly what I am hoping for! Thanks Donny Boy for the post.

Was the RX-8 the production car?

No, pre production at the show.

just wanted to put my two cents in as i drove the car for a couple minutes... first of all, im a 6'0 175pds... the car i drove had a sunroof, which was closed, and there was an ince or two to spare for me... i didnt even notice whether or not my head was going to hit the ceiling, as there was plenty of room... as for the seats, they are very comfy, i would say just as comfy as the 330ci...

I was lucky enough to get a business trip to NY this last Wednesday. It was up and back in one day so I didn't have long. I had to rush from the middle of Brooklyn to the show, run in and see the 8 then grab a cab and head for the airport for my return flight. I didn't see anything else at the show but the 8 and whatever was between the building door and the car.

I wish I could have had more time but I was on a schedule. I had only left myself 2 hours to get from the show to LaGuardia at 5:00 in the afternoon.

As for impressions it was kinda of a blur. I had so little time. I can say for all you 5' 6" or so people who were worried about fitting their was no problem (sorry you 6 footers out their but its the price you pay for being able to see over everybody else). I think I have looked at most every picture that has been posted of the 8 and so seeing in the flesh was not a life altering experience. Don't get me wrong I love the cars lines but I've seen so many angles in pictures I didn't see anything new.

I guess my big interest in going to the show is would I like the car from the inside. I have seen all the picts of the interior but sitting in it the only way to know for sure. As I told my wife (when I called from the cab) "It fits like a glove". I felt secure, comfortable and ready to drive. All the controls were within reach and easy to see. I wish they had power on so I could see the display lit up.

In the long run it was a surreal experience for me. I sat on the plane home going through the pictures I took and couldn't belive I had seen the car up close. It didn't seem real. I guess I was to rushed to get a chance to relax and soak in the car. I'm glad I went for nothing else than to say I did. I have been to several smaller auto shows (Atlanta, Philly) and the micro motor trend sponsored show that came to Greenville, but none can compare to this. I think in the next couple of years I will try to make back to NY to see the whole show or try to get to Detroit.

I can't wait till the Revitup series makes to Charlotte NC next month. I will have a lot more time and no schedule (excluding track time) to pull me away. I know nobody has had a chance to drive the 8 at these events but its not going to stop me from asking.

Now I just have to figure out how I am going to pay for the car I have preordered.

If you can make it to one show.. I'd hit detroit myself.

I just happen to live within arms lenght of the NY show so that's where I go :)

Just got back from the show myself. I personally cannot wait to own a RX-8. I was very impressed.

The reps there said climate control comes standard.

I asked about delivery dates. They believe late May, early June for first allocations.

I did a personal comparison between the RX-8 and G35C and I didn't think you were gaining any real luxury advantage in the G35. The choice of materials (dash, console, and seats) in the RX-8 were just as good, if not better than the G35. However, I did see the paint being chipped off the corner of the drivers seat on the titanium RX-8. Not good, but I was also assured this was a pre-production problem combined with excessive wear from the shows. On the G35, I personally did not like the dash cluster layout---particuliarly the choice of backlight color for the tach/speedo. Reminded me of an Altima...Cheap, IMO. I, too, wish I could could have seen the RX-8 lit up, but from what I've heard and seen in pictures, it sounds like the RX-8 would be the winner. The exterior of the RX-8 is even more impressive in person than pictures give it credit. The curves on that car are just incredible. Anyways, if it even drives half as good as it looks and feels standing still, it will be one awesome car.

It's funny. I asked a rep if climate control and the 6 disk changer were standard for the CD package. She basically read the list from the web site and told me no. She then went on and said why would such a small car have climate control. I just nodded my head, since climate control really isn't important to me.

I wish we could just get consistent answers!!

And my 2 buddies like the G35c more then the 8. But what do they know!! :-D

ERIK

She then went on and said why would such a small car have climate control.

It's sure as heck standard on the UK model! It doesn't matter how small the car is it still needs heating or cooling. Stupid woman!

And my 2 buddies like the G35c more then the 8. But what do they know!! :-D

I'm not saying the G35 is not a nice car, because it is. All I'm saying is I personally don't see it as being more "luxurious" than the RX-8. By just looking at the cars, side-by-side, what significant features does the G35 have that would make anyone believe that it is way better than the RX-8? Maybe the analog/aluminum clock? The RX-8's styling--both inside and out--is definitely a bolder statement than the G35. Some may not like that (maybe too boy-racer like?), but I personally think it's appearance says "sports car". In fact, I would say the RX-8's interior design cues were taken loosely from the BMW M3: The textured, rubberlike dashoard material and lacquered finish and the two-tone color scheme with the seats and the rest of the interior is very similiar to the BMW.

You get all this for a price less than the G35...not if it only has a greater driving pleasure than the G35, than we have a winner.

On the flip side, I was speaking to others looking at the RX-8 commenting that it had "no guts", referring to it's lack of torque in comparison to the 350Z and G35. Another mentioned it was "slow, only 14.5 in the 1/4 mile". Well, you can't please them all and if they haven't driven both, then I can't see how they can make such comments.

I just saw the car at the auto show and was very impresed, so impresed in fact that I am thinking about selling my worked WRX to buy one. I have spent alot of money on my WRX but there is just something about the RX8 that I can't get over. The titanium one, I think that what color it was was sick, thats the color I would get. So what does a fully loaded Rx8 cost?

Anyone want to buy a worked WRX? We'll see how it plays out. I want to wait to drive one before I decide, but right now the car is looking very good. I will probably wait until this time next year to get one unless I am that impressed with the test drive.

The car is so nice, congrats to everyone who got one, I think you made a great choice.

Drew

thanks Drew, we think so. I've been waiting several years and had my deposit down over 16 months now... am leaving for the show now. Fully loaded, about 31,100 I think, including Nav ($2K) - see the official Mazda website for details (mazduasa.com/rx8). If the RX-8 never came out, the WRX would be in the running for me!

Originally posted by wrxdriver
The titanium one, I think that what color it was was sick, thats the color I would get.

Congratulations wrxdriver: you have entered the Lensman hall of Appreciation... ;)